Jim George's Blog, page 8
September 2, 2014
Pray for Wisdom
One of my passions is the small-but-powerful book of Proverbs. That’s because Proverbs is considered to be “the wisdom book” of the Bible. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve already made enough mistakes to last a lifetime. Frankly, I would like to make as few as possible between now and my last days on this earth. So I can use all the wisdom I can get!
Proverbs 1 reminds us that you and I can…
…attain wisdom and discipline,
…understand words of insight,
…acquire a disciplined and prudent life,
…learn what is right and just and fair,
…gain prudence, and
…increase in knowledge and discretion.
How can this be? Because all of these elements of wisdom are available from the book of Proverbs and from the whole of God’s Word. We can also gain wisdom from wise people, teachers, and counselors, and from experience. Please take advantage of all of these means for increasing in wisdom.
Do you want a surefire, wide-open, readily accessible avenue for getting wisdom? All you have to do is ask God for wisdom through prayer. It’s as simple and straightforward as that.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
Proverbs 1 reminds us that you and I can…
…attain wisdom and discipline,
…understand words of insight,
…acquire a disciplined and prudent life,
…learn what is right and just and fair,
…gain prudence, and
…increase in knowledge and discretion.
How can this be? Because all of these elements of wisdom are available from the book of Proverbs and from the whole of God’s Word. We can also gain wisdom from wise people, teachers, and counselors, and from experience. Please take advantage of all of these means for increasing in wisdom.
Do you want a surefire, wide-open, readily accessible avenue for getting wisdom? All you have to do is ask God for wisdom through prayer. It’s as simple and straightforward as that.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
August 21, 2014
From Jim’s Heart—God’s Strength Is Available to You!
You are called to live boldly by different standards—God’s standards. Yes, it will be difficult, but such hardship is nothing compared to what you’ll gain—God’s blessing for your obedience and a clear conscience for doing what is right.
The secret of obedience is that what God expects you to do, He also enables you to do. The strength to obey Him comes from Him. You just need a willing heart.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). God has made this strength available to you, and it’s pretty remarkable. Paul spoke of “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Ephesians 1:19).
It’s a fact—The power of God triumphs over all else. And you have access to it. How? Through full dependence upon Him, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (6:18).
Lord, this is amazing! When I say yes to You—and mean it—You give me the strength to follow through. Thank You for the “exceeding greatness” of Your power in me! Amen.
The secret of obedience is that what God expects you to do, He also enables you to do. The strength to obey Him comes from Him. You just need a willing heart.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). God has made this strength available to you, and it’s pretty remarkable. Paul spoke of “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Ephesians 1:19).
It’s a fact—The power of God triumphs over all else. And you have access to it. How? Through full dependence upon Him, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (6:18).
Lord, this is amazing! When I say yes to You—and mean it—You give me the strength to follow through. Thank You for the “exceeding greatness” of Your power in me! Amen.
August 19, 2014
Bring Your Problems to God
The next time you are troubled with a problem remember to...
—Bring your problem directly to God.
—Be sure to realize your problem is never with God.
—Be aware of your limited understanding of God’s ways.
—Be encouraged by God’s concern.
—Believe and trust in God.
—Bring your problem directly to God.
—Be sure to realize your problem is never with God.
—Be aware of your limited understanding of God’s ways.
—Be encouraged by God’s concern.
—Believe and trust in God.
August 14, 2014
From Jim’s Heart—Keeping Your Eye on the Prize
Because following God in obedience has its challenges, it’s the less-traveled path. Disobedience, on the other hand, is the more well-worn way. In fact, it is characterized by gridlock! Why? Because it’s the easy way out. It’s the road we’re tempted to take when things get sticky or uncomfortable or confusing. It’s the path of least resistance. And sadly, it’s the path that makes us men of little or no positive impact.
As you run the long-distance race for Christ, you will definitely face daily hurdles that trip you up, knock you down, or pressure you to compromise God’s standards. That’s why Paul urges you to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:14). If you keep your eye on the prize at the finish line—the prize of being with Jesus and knowing Him more fully—you’ll have what it takes to overcome life’s challenges.
God, instead of sneaking around the hurdles of life on the path of least resistance, I want to sail over those challenges on the high road of obedience. Please help me. Amen.
As you run the long-distance race for Christ, you will definitely face daily hurdles that trip you up, knock you down, or pressure you to compromise God’s standards. That’s why Paul urges you to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:14). If you keep your eye on the prize at the finish line—the prize of being with Jesus and knowing Him more fully—you’ll have what it takes to overcome life’s challenges.
God, instead of sneaking around the hurdles of life on the path of least resistance, I want to sail over those challenges on the high road of obedience. Please help me. Amen.
August 12, 2014
Growing in Him
Laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. —1 Peter 2:1-3
Are you thirsty? Are you craving time in God’s Word? Peter instructs us to yearn for the Word of God as a baby needs milk. This reflects the way our longing should feel as we thirst for knowledge of God. It’s also a lovely reminder that studying God’s Word should never be a labor; it should always be a delight. Filling up on God’s promises and instructions is a satisfying, nourishing, enlightening experience.
Make it a goal to grow in the Lord. To do this calls for you to discard behaviors that are unlike your God. To embrace the spiritual truths found in God’s Word. Getting rid of the bad and desiring the good are actions you can take each and every day of your life. No matter how long you have been a believer—10, 20, or 30 years—you should still crave the Word of God. In fact, the desire increases the more you grow in Christ!
God calls you to discard… and to desire. Make God’s goal your goal. Purge whatever is not righteous and good in your life so you can grow in Him.
Are you thirsty? Are you craving time in God’s Word? Peter instructs us to yearn for the Word of God as a baby needs milk. This reflects the way our longing should feel as we thirst for knowledge of God. It’s also a lovely reminder that studying God’s Word should never be a labor; it should always be a delight. Filling up on God’s promises and instructions is a satisfying, nourishing, enlightening experience.
Make it a goal to grow in the Lord. To do this calls for you to discard behaviors that are unlike your God. To embrace the spiritual truths found in God’s Word. Getting rid of the bad and desiring the good are actions you can take each and every day of your life. No matter how long you have been a believer—10, 20, or 30 years—you should still crave the Word of God. In fact, the desire increases the more you grow in Christ!
God calls you to discard… and to desire. Make God’s goal your goal. Purge whatever is not righteous and good in your life so you can grow in Him.
August 7, 2014
From Jim’s Heart—Pay Attention to God’s Word
If you struggle with obeying God, ask Him to give you His strength to obey His commands. That strength will come as you…
-Faithfully read God’s Word
-Faithfully hear the teaching of God’s Word
-Faithfully seek wise counsel from God’s Word
-Faithfully deal with sin [OMIT in your life] as revealed in God’s Word
Can you see how the Bible is such an important part of every-day life? Your willingness to obey the Lord is key to experiencing God’s blessings, and it will enable you to become a man or woman God can use to make a difference.
Lord, thank You for pouring Your strength into me as I pay more attention attend to Your Word. May every blessing and every trial in my life turn my [omit obedient] attention to obeying Your Word. Amen.
-Faithfully read God’s Word
-Faithfully hear the teaching of God’s Word
-Faithfully seek wise counsel from God’s Word
-Faithfully deal with sin [OMIT in your life] as revealed in God’s Word
Can you see how the Bible is such an important part of every-day life? Your willingness to obey the Lord is key to experiencing God’s blessings, and it will enable you to become a man or woman God can use to make a difference.
Lord, thank You for pouring Your strength into me as I pay more attention attend to Your Word. May every blessing and every trial in my life turn my [omit obedient] attention to obeying Your Word. Amen.
August 5, 2014
Making the Most of Opportunity
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and [money].
—Luke 16:13
Whether we acknowledge it or not, nothing that is ours is truly ours. A steward is “one who is accountable to another.” In our case, we answer to God for all He entrusts us with. Keep in mind these words from the apostle Paul: “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Are you faithful? Which representation of worldly wealth is your biggest obstacle to godly stewardship? Your house? Your possessions? For many of us it’s money. Here is God’s wisdom: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Stored riches on earth will break down and can be stolen. But those treasures we place in heaven will be preserved forever. The Bible tells us to focus on the eternal:
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NASB).
My friend, place your trust in God alone. Ask Him today to help you make the most of the opportunities He brings your way. Seek to become rich in good works for God. Use your finances to help others. Give Richly. Serve sacrificially. And above all, love unconditionally.
—Luke 16:13
Whether we acknowledge it or not, nothing that is ours is truly ours. A steward is “one who is accountable to another.” In our case, we answer to God for all He entrusts us with. Keep in mind these words from the apostle Paul: “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Are you faithful? Which representation of worldly wealth is your biggest obstacle to godly stewardship? Your house? Your possessions? For many of us it’s money. Here is God’s wisdom: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Stored riches on earth will break down and can be stolen. But those treasures we place in heaven will be preserved forever. The Bible tells us to focus on the eternal:
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NASB).
My friend, place your trust in God alone. Ask Him today to help you make the most of the opportunities He brings your way. Seek to become rich in good works for God. Use your finances to help others. Give Richly. Serve sacrificially. And above all, love unconditionally.
July 31, 2014
From Jim’s Heart – Faithful God
Do you ever think about the fact that God knows, in advance, everything that will happen?
That means there is nothing that takes God by surprise – even the difficult crises in your life. So when you find yourself worried about tomorrow, lift your cares up to the Lord. He already knows the future, and because He is faithful, He will give you whatever you need to persevere through your problems. In the same way that He sustained the psalmist “through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), He will preserve and comfort you in every trial you face. That’s why you can rejoice with David and say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (verse 6)!
God, I don’t know what might happen tomorrow,
but You do. I can’t cause good to come from any crisis,
but You can. I won’t always be able to meet my own needs, but You will.
I thank You with all my heart.
Amen
That means there is nothing that takes God by surprise – even the difficult crises in your life. So when you find yourself worried about tomorrow, lift your cares up to the Lord. He already knows the future, and because He is faithful, He will give you whatever you need to persevere through your problems. In the same way that He sustained the psalmist “through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), He will preserve and comfort you in every trial you face. That’s why you can rejoice with David and say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (verse 6)!
God, I don’t know what might happen tomorrow,
but You do. I can’t cause good to come from any crisis,
but You can. I won’t always be able to meet my own needs, but You will.
I thank You with all my heart.
Amen
July 29, 2014
Prayers for Friends
When we love people, we can’t help but pray for them because we carry them in our hearts! And when friends are far away and we’re unable to express our love and support personally, we can pray, knowing that God hears us. Jesus prayed for His disciples. Paul prayed for the believers in Philippi, the Christians in Colossae, and his friends in Ephesus. When it comes to your friends and friendships, there are many reasons to turn to God in prayer! What can you do?
—Praise God for your friends. You’ve been blessed with special people in your life. Give thanks for them.
—Pray for their spiritual insight. Paul prayed for believers to have their spiritual eyes opened so they would recognize their spiritual blessings.
Every prayer you lift up for your friends reaches God’s ears and heart. Ask Him to use His power, might, strength, and wisdom to help the people you care about.
Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers for my friends. For those who don’t know You, help me be an example of Your love and grace. And for those friends who know You, I pray they will see Your hand in their lives.
—Praise God for your friends. You’ve been blessed with special people in your life. Give thanks for them.
—Pray for their spiritual insight. Paul prayed for believers to have their spiritual eyes opened so they would recognize their spiritual blessings.
Every prayer you lift up for your friends reaches God’s ears and heart. Ask Him to use His power, might, strength, and wisdom to help the people you care about.
Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers for my friends. For those who don’t know You, help me be an example of Your love and grace. And for those friends who know You, I pray they will see Your hand in their lives.
July 24, 2014
From Jim’s Heart – Spiritual Power
When we first meet Stephen in the Bible, he is selected by the early church apostles to take care of the needs of the widows in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-6). Later we see him standing before the rulers of Israel and powerfully admonishing them for their unbelief in Christ (Acts 7:2-53). Also consider Priscilla and Aquila, who are introduced as tent makers (Acts 18:1-3). Later we see them open their home to the formation of the church, invite missionaries to stay over, work shoulder to shoulder in ministry, and forge ahead fearlessly in service to God, even in the face of persecution.
Where did Stephen and this dynamic couple get their power for ministry? The answer comes from Jesus. Before He left earth, He explained, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered a small number of individuals – like Moses and David – for specific purposes. But from the New Testament onward, the Holy Spirit has come into the life of every follower of Christ. That means you have His empowerment available for a lifetime – for a ministry, for living a God-honoring life, at all times! It gives us the conviction, courage, and confidence to live for Christ.
My friend, when God asks you to accomplish something, He provides all the resources you need to succeed. Like Stephen and Priscilla and Aquila, God gives you His Holy Spirit so you can be a witness for Him and accomplish great things for His kingdom.
Where did Stephen and this dynamic couple get their power for ministry? The answer comes from Jesus. Before He left earth, He explained, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered a small number of individuals – like Moses and David – for specific purposes. But from the New Testament onward, the Holy Spirit has come into the life of every follower of Christ. That means you have His empowerment available for a lifetime – for a ministry, for living a God-honoring life, at all times! It gives us the conviction, courage, and confidence to live for Christ.
My friend, when God asks you to accomplish something, He provides all the resources you need to succeed. Like Stephen and Priscilla and Aquila, God gives you His Holy Spirit so you can be a witness for Him and accomplish great things for His kingdom.
